Under 11 Premier Match Reports 2005/06

A terrific cup final eventually went the way of Cherry Orchard on Saturday May 13^th . Congratulations must go to the victors who sportingly recognised that this game could have gone either way once the final whistle went on this game.

The first half with a slight hill against us was a very even affair. Cherry Orchard started the brightest and an error in the Belvo back line sent their Captain free on our goal. DDSL representative 'keeper Danny Rogers however did excellently in forcing the Orchard player to wide for him to hit the target.

This was the warning sign we needed though and we began to force our way into the match with the brilliant striker, Darragh Lenihan leading the line up front. After trying his luck from distance a few times he got to a 50/50 ball before his marker, using his strength and pace forced his way to goal. After beating 2 more players his goal bound shot forced a good save from the Orchard 'keeper.

With the game now settled into a battle of the defences we conceded what turned out to be a crucial corner. Slack marking from this corner gave  Orchard the lead when their captain flicked in the cross with his head at the near post. The first half finished soon after we neither side creating much in this tense battle.

Changing shape with the introduction of Dane Moynihan and also with the hill to our advantage in the 2^nd half we began very brightly in search of the equaliser. The efforts of Sean Kavanagh, Jake Hyland, Darragh and Dane being prominent in our attacks.

Thankfully we got back into the game in this period and with 10 minutes of the half played, Darragh ran onto a through ball and brilliantly finished from 18 yards. We deserved this and indeed could have taken the lead within the next 5 minutes. Dane was unlucky on two occasions not to score from the right hand side of the box.

One of his two efforts was brilliantly saved by the opposition 'keeper, his other effort hitting the side netting. The game was very evenly balanced now and the next goal was going to be crucial.

With Dane and Darragh causing a lot of problems to their back line it was crucial our own defence was solid and with the outstanding Sean Corbally we had a defender who was really on top of his game. Sean was well assisted by Adam Quinn who was given the job of marking the Orchards main attacking threat and did this very well.

The winning goal arrived with 7 minutes to play and went to The Orchard. Belvo failed to clear a cross across the edge of our box and the strike at goal was to high for Danny to affect. It was always going to be a good goal or a terrible mistake that won this game............ and so it proved with this excellent strike.

Despite changing to an attacking  3 - 3 - 4 formation for the last 5 minutes we couldn’t pull the goal back. Both teams received a terrific response from the crowd when the final whistle went.

It was a terrific game that was not lacking in quality as well as the amazing work rate of both sides. Dane Moynihan picked up the man of match award.

Team: Rogers, P Gannon, Quinn, Corbally, Berrigan, A Gannon, Kavanagh, Fagan, Kiernan (Moynihan 30), Hyland, Lenihan. Subs not used: Donnery, O’Brien and Saunders

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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Following an impressive result the week previous, Belvedere U11’s put in another fine display to reach the semi-finals of the U11 DDSL Goodson Cup.

The game itself started with us making a cardinal sin and giving away a cheap free kick on the edge of our box. Lourdes hit the bar from the resulting kick and we narrowly escaped a disaster of a start.

Following this though we soon stamped our authority on the game. Three goals in our favour over a 20 minute spell in this first half did the job.

The first from Darragh Lenihan, starting up front, was a terrific finish from 18 yds. He ran onto a clever ball from Sean Kavanagh to clinically finish with his left foot form the edge of the box.

The same player then flicked on a pass from our back line to set Alan Gannon in on goal. Alan, showing the excellent form he has recently displayed in training, finished very well with his right foot, high and across the keeper from just inside the box.

Our third goal came from the excellent front two. Alan this time sliding Darragh in behind their defence with an excellent pass and he slotted it home from 6 yards – giving the honest Lourdes' 'keeper no chance.

We seemed to be coping well with the Lourdes' threat in this half. Jake Hyland playing a key role in keeping the mid-field of Lourdes fairly quiet. Sean Corbally, struggling with the flu, also did his bit in our back line tidying up most problems before our keeper was called on to make the save.

 The 2^nd half was a far less frantic affair as the home side pushed hard to get back into the game. A number of substitutions and free kicks broke up the play with neither side getting any real rhythm going.

To be fair, the home side posed a far bigger threat in this half, with Belvo Keeper Danny Rogers called on several occasions to make a save.

With 10 minutes to go the home side got the goal they deserved and this made the last period of the game more difficult than it should have been, after our terrific first half. Thankfully we saw the game out to record a fine 3 – 1 away cup win.

Team: Rogers, Berrigan, Corbally, Moynihan, Quinn, Kiernan (O’Brien 40 mins), Kavanagh (Fagan 45 mins), Hyland, Rogers(Saunders 50 Mins), Lenihan(Capt), Gannon Man of the match: Darragh Lenihan

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A very cold AUL was lucky to host this match with a pitch change required at the last minute due to frost. However, the game did go ahead and resulted in an excellent U11 premier clash and local derby.

The key for us today was to start the game well following our last few results. So going one goal down after 10 minutes was not the ideal start away from home.

Our defence should have dealt with a cross far better before Shels finished from 18 yards to take the lead. The home side continued to enjoy most of the early play until a switch in formation got Dara Lenihan back into Midfield and from there the game swayed more in our favour as the home side found his drive and energy difficult to deal with in the centre of mid-field.

Then midway through the 1^st half, Jake Hyland beat his man expertly on the edge of the box and his dangerous low cross was turned in for an own goal by the unlucky Shels' centre half.

To be fair, Alan Gannon was waiting to tap it home should the defender not have got there first. We were deservedly back in the game and continued to play some excellent football in this half. Sean Kavanagh, back from a bad flu, playing a key role in our build up play. Assisted by the tireless running of Conor Saunders and David Kiernan on the wings.

 In the 2^nd half, playing up a slight hill the game continued in the same vain. Both sides enjoying some good play with both defences regularly tested.

A brave tackle from captain Paul Gannon was typical of our application in this half and set the example for his team mates to follow as we pushed for our first win in 3 games.

Our second goal, which became the winning goal, arrived after 10 minutes. A foul on the edge of the box is a real chance for us with the talent of Darragh Lenihan around.

And he duly scored from 25 yards curling a great free kick in the far top corner. Jake Hyland, now operating in a front role continued to be the main source of our attacks.

His touch, movement and passing playing a key role in us holding onto the win as the home side pushed more and more forward.

Their main source of attack being from their right hand sided mid-fielder whose pace was now a real problem. He continued to try to make run after run down his side only to be faced with the outstanding work rate of Conor Saunders.

Indeed one such attack was stopped by the tackle of the season from Conor when he slide in, won the ball and hooked it back to his side in one movement.

The fact that this happened right on the final whistle after such a hard running game was equally as impressive. The final whistle went soon after.

 Team: Rogers, Berrigan, Moynihan, Corbally, Gannon, Kiernan (O’Brien 45 mins), Kavanagh, Hyland, Saunders, Gannon, Lenihan. Man of the match: Conor Saunders

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The under 11’s bounced back to record a valuable win away to Leicester Celtic recently. Very few teams have travelled to Loreto Park this season and taken points back with them, so to record all three points following two recent defeats away from home was a good result for the lads.

To be fair, we deserved nothing less as our play throughout the game was quick and positive. The long grass had a direct affect on a number of other good opportunities we created, and if they had of been converted it would have been a better reflection on the match as a whole.

The first half was really a one sided affair with the Blues pushing forward in waves. Darragh Lenihan, Jake Hyland, Sean Berrigan and Graham Fagan were all prominent in these attacks as we went looking for the lead. The pacey attacking players of the home side did keep us busy at times in our own half though, preventing us from taken complete control.

Thankfully after 15 minutes of some excellent passing play Graham Fagan, starting up front for only the 2^nd time this season gave us the lead. Picking up a through ball he brilliantly dropped his shoulder, moved the ball to the opposite side and blasted home his shot from 12 yds. The Keeper had no chance as the ball flew past the underside of the bar. Sean Kavanagh, Alan Gannon and Sean Berrigan all went close in this half.

The 2^nd half continued much as the first and very soon a pattern developed with Belvo playing positive attacking football with the home side trying to catch us on the break. Graham Fagan had a brilliant chance early on to give us a two goal cushion but unfortunately shot wide when it looked easier to score. The long grass played its part though as he failed to get the connection he wanted.

David Kiernan at right midfield started to come more into the game and a number of his crosses into the box fell kindly to the home side allowing them to clear before we could convert them. However 1-0 is rarely enough at this level away from home. Leicester got their reward when they converted a corner kick by heading the ball low and in by the near post to pull them level.

There were 10 minutes left now and clearly the goal gave them home side more spirit as they went looking for the winning goal. The last 10 minutes was real "end to end" stuff, with the few chances falling more to us, and again we missed a golden chance when it seemed easier to score. No prizes for guessing what the focus of our next few training sessions would be!

With two minutes to go, Darragh Lenihan, now pushed up front, picked up a loose ball and ran straight at the home side's defence who had now retreated into their box. He beat the 1^st defender well, the centre half came out to cover, and Darragh, using the same skill, knocked the ball past him only to be charged down in the box and a penalty kick.awarded.

Thankfully Sean Berrigan converted his third penalty of the season to give us a narrow but deserved 2-1 win.

Team: Rogers, Berrigan, Moynihan (Quinn 45), Corbally, Paul Gannon(Capt), Kiernan (Donnery 45), Kavanagh, Lenihan, Hyland, Alan Gannon, Fagan (Saunders 55) Man of the match: Alan Gannon

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A game of contrasting halves took place at the Lawn in Ballyfermot as Belvedere Under 11’s took on the unbeaten Cherry Orchard. An injury early in the first half to left full and team captain Paul Gannon didn’t help our cause in the first half as the home side dominated the play.

The home team deserved to be 2-0 up at half time, in fact we could consider ourselves lucky that it was only 2-0, as we seemed to suffer from stage fright against the league leaders. Second to most balls, passing going astray, losing those crucial 50-50’s and a nervy performance from our normally rock solid back line, all contributed to the home teams goals.

Only some excellent play from Alan Gannon and Darragh Lenihan gave us hope in this half and proved that we could cause them problems. Now it was up to the rest of the team to believe the same.

The two goals conceded in the first half should have been defended better. Failure to clear our lines set-up the first one for a simple tap in from 6 yards and then similarly just before half time Paul's injury didn’t help him as he tried to clear a cross, only for it to fall perfectly for the Cherry Orchard attacker to slide home.

Indeed, only a fine save from Belvo 'keeper Danny Rogers mid-way through the half kept the score at two, while we offered little in the way of attacks in this half.

The second period was exactly the opposite. The physical presence of sub Dane Moynihan, on at half time, made an immediate impact as he set the standard for this period with a crunching tackle at the start of the half.

This seemed to give the rest of the lads a lift and even though we should have been out of the game at half time we could consider ourselves unlucky not to have taken a share of spoils.

A brilliant finish from Alan Gannon after ten minutes was just reward for our efforts in this half. He ran onto a great kick from 'keeper Rogers and slotted the ball home from 18 yards. Sean Kavanagh, David Kiernan (twice), Jake Hyland and Dara Lenihan all tested the home goal keeper in this half.

Some of the shots were from distance and some from up close as the home side seemed to panic from our aggressive style of play in this half. Graham Fagan hit the bar while Alan Gannon was also unlucky not to score his second as a last gasp block kept his strike from 8 yards out of the goal.

We did have scares ourselves, as the game developed into a wide-open contest and the home side did create a few chances that they only managed to send wide. To be fair though, a third goal against would have been very very harsh on us.

We kept the pressure on right up to the final whistle and when the ref called time it was clear who was the more relieved to see the game finish, ...........and it wasn’t us.

To sum up – this was a game of two halves, ........ we should have been dead and buried in the first half but showed excellent character to dominate in the 2^nd half away from home.

Final score 2-1 to Cherry Orchard. Belvo Man of the Match goes to the outstanding Darragh Lenihan in mid-field, while Alan Gannon also deserves a mention.

Team: Rogers, Berrigan, Quinn, Corbally, Gannon (Moynihan 30), Kiernan, Lenihan, Kavanagh, Hyland, Gannon. Fagan. Subs not used: Donnery, O’Brien, Saunders.

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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A harsh result for the under elevens at Shanowen Park against a very honest Saint Kevin's side. Very few teams have taken points from Saint Kevins on their own pitch this season, but the lads did everything they could to do so and at the very least deserved a share of the spoils. Possibly even all three on another day.

On a terrific pitch we set about our business very well in the first half. The home side only really offering a couple of nervous moments on the break as we played some excellent possession football.

Pulling the strings in mid-field, Sean Kavanagh regularly asked questions of the home side's defensive shape as he switched the ball from flank to flank, encouraged his full backs to push forward and with the help of Alan Gannon up-front, linked the mid-field and attacking lines excellently.

Indeed, one such move saw Alan find some space on the right hand side of the box and his shot was unlucky not to test the home keeper from 12 yards. The best move of this half involved the two brothers on the team, as another quality move involving the hard working Jake Hyland laid up captain Paul Gannon to send his brother in over the top.

Alan cleverly ran across one of the two chasing centre-halves, only to have the ball taken from his toe by a brilliant last-ditch tackle on the edge of the box.

The second half was a far less one sided affair, as the home side began to play their part. A noticeably more aggressive approach from Kevins had the desired affect, and we struggled at times to match their endeavour.

The breakthrough came mid way through this half, the home side's number 10 brilliantly curling a shot into the top corner from outside the box.

He was definitely allowed too much space to get his shot away but, at least he managed to do something we were finding very difficult in this half and that was to shoot at goal.

This did wake us up a little though and soon after, Jake was unlucky not to get us deservedly back into the game when his shot hit the bar from a very tight angle.

The loose ball bouncing safely away from the on rushing attackers – perhaps a good example of our luck in this game. The home side were relying on catching us on the break now and sure enough one such break put them 2 ahead.

An almost replica goal to the first put us under real pressure now with ten minutes remaining. However, within these ten minutes though we really should have pulled level.

The home side's keeper made two tidy saves to deny Declan Donnery from 8 yards out. We also had a couple of corners that the home side worked very hard to block shots at their goal.

The game finished 2 - 0, ..........a very harsh result.

Team: Rogers, Berrigan, Moynihan (O’Brien), Corbally, Gannon, Fagan, Kavanagh, Hyland, Donnery, Gannon, Saunders (Kiernan)

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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An excellent performance away from home on Saturday, against an honest Ballyoulster side, saw Belvedere Under 11's Premier advance to the next round of the DDSL Goodson Cup.

In what was probably the only schoolboy game to go ahead in the country this weekend !!.... the lads put on a very good display of football with some excellent passing and support play at the heart of it all, and this without star men Sean Corbally and 'keeper Danny Rogers who both missed the game through injury.

Ten minutes into the tie Sean Berrigan gave us the lead from the penalty spot after Conor Saunders was felled in the box. The goal was not unmerited though as the lads had created 3 good chances prior to that, only to see them drift just wide or over.

The first goal really settled us down as the lads now pushed forward in waves. Alan Gannon went very close on two occasions, Sean Kavanagh and Jake Hyland also had efforts well blocked by the home side.

Not long after Alan Gannon did put us two up when a defender failed to clear his drive from an angle at 10 yards of the line. His goal ending a run of 4 matches without scoring. The game turned at 2-0.

The 2^nd half continued much as the first was. We didn’t let up as we pushed for what we felt would be the killer 3^rd goal and soon enough Man of the match Jake Hyland stole a ball from the home sides right full and finished well with his weaker right foot from 10 yards. Jake deserved his goal as he proved to be a constant threat to the home side throughout the game down our left hand side.

The introduction of the subs didn’t affect the pattern of the game and with 10 minutes to go Conor Saunders finished well after he out paced their back line to latch onto another excellent through ball from midfield. The same player was unlucky not to pick up his 2^nd goal soon after when his turn and shot went just wide of the 'keeper's right hand post.

The home side then threw caution to the wind for the last few minutes and scored their goal in the third minute of added time when stand in keeper Graham Fagan was very lucky not to save a shot from 6 yards. Questions were asked though as to how the goal scorer was 5 yards ahead of his team mates from a pass that travelled 10 yards and not be of side – we put the decision down to a consolation goal from an otherwise excellent referee. Final Score 4-1.

Team: Fagan, Berrigan (Teelin 50), Moyihan, Quinn, Gannon, Kiernan, Kavanagh, Lenihan, Hyland (Donnery 45), Gannon (O’Brien 40), Saunders

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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The under 11’s suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday morning in Fairview. We can have no complaints though as the away side were physically too strong for us and seemed to want it more on the day.

On a tight pitch and with both sides fielding players of equal quality, its probably not surprising that the game very quickly developed into a physical battle with very little being given by both teams. Neither side could be happy with the quality of their game when in possession, with space to play at a premium in mid-field especially.

The first half offered very little in the way of chances, with Joeys producing a few heart-stopping moments in the Belvo box as a result of set pieces. Sean Corbally was once again on top form with his display at centre half. Aided by his centre half partner, Adam Quinn, they managed to keep the chances to a premium for the away side. Similarly we struggled to create any real chances as the away sides defence also held strong.

The 2^nd half continued in much the same vein. We probably started the half the better side and had a decent shout for a penalty early on. It wasn’t given which was on balance fair enough as Joeys could easily have had one in the first half. The break through came in the last 10 minutes when what seemed like a harmless ball over the top bounced kindly for the away side and they took the lead with the advancing Belvo keeper Danny Rogers unable to reach the well hit shot.

We had no choice now but to push for an equaliser and found ourselves in some promising positions, but they didn’t come to anything. The second goal came with the final kick of the match when a mistake in the Belvo back line let Joeys in for an easy finish from 10 yards. The disappointment of conceding the first goal played its part in this one.

Team: Rogers, Berrigan, Corbally, Quinn, Gannon, Fagan(Moynihan 50) , Kavanagh, Hyland, Saunders( Donnery 40), Gannon, Lenihan. Subs not used: Kirwan, O’Brien.  Belvo Man of the Match: Sean Corbally.

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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A good display from the Under 11’s on Saturday morning against Tolka Rovers at Johnstown Park. The players and management agreed, without a doubt, that this was the best pitch we have played on this season – perfect for both of these two teams who like to pass the ball on the deck.

Having struggled in their two previous performances, it was clear that nerves and a lack of confidence were affecting the lads in the first half. We tried to play, but we were not our usual selves – we were trying to force the ball into the net rather than work out some clear openings.

We dominated the half, apart from a ten minute spell in the middle, when we had to deal with a number of set pieces from the home side. We did take the lead in this half when Conor Saunders snook in from his left wing position to finish strongly from 8 yards.

Excellent work from Jake Hyland and Darragh Lenihan on the right hand side of the pitch created the chance for Conor who has proved his worth to the squad this season by playing in his third different position so far.

Darragh as ever was busy up front and was unfortunate to see his drive from 18 yards creep wide after brilliantly cutting across his man. Alan Gannon and Jake Hyland both had efforts go wide from distance in this half also, but to be fair we struggled to create any clear cut chances.

The second half was an entirely different affair. The quality of our play improved greatly and the majority of this half was played in the home sides half of the pitch. Hard to single out any players of note in this, as everyone clicked to possibly produce our best half of the season.

Only from some poor decision making and some over elaboration in the final third we could have won this game by more. Darragh put us two up within 5 minutes by slotting home from 10 yards, following an excellent corner routine.

Alan, Fago, Deco, Jake and Kavo all went close in this half as our confidence improved by the minute. Not to forget another solid performance from our back line though, who ensured that Belvo keeper Danny Rogers had only a few set pieces to deal with. Credit must also go to the Tolka keeper who made plenty of good saves to keep his side in the game.

Moment of the match has to go to the entire Belvo squad who were to busy celebrating a brilliant Darragh's free kick from 25 yards to have noticed the referee had in fact been signalling for an indirect free. It was a pity – as Darragh's drive made it's way into the top corner of the net. Somehow I don’t think the lads will have to wait long for a repeat goal from this star performer.

The game finished 2-0 as the U11’s excellent start to the season continues.

Team: Rogers. Berrigan (MOM), Gannon, Quinn (Moynihan 45), Corbally, Fagan (Kirwan 45), Kavanagh, Hyland (Donnery 50), Saunders ( Teelin 55), Gannon (O’Brien 55), Lenihan.

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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Not much to write home about following this scrappy away cup win, except we got the job done in the end. The weather conditions themselves didn’t help, with a very strong and cold wind blowing for the entire game and both sides struggled to play any sort of decent football as a result.

Following an impressive start to the season, there were a number of changes to the Belvo side, as many of the fringe players so far where given their opportunity to stake a claim. It was on of these players, Mason Teelin who used his electric pace to get in behind the home team and finish cooly from 10 yards. This player's pace continued to cause the home side a lot of problems in the first half and only for some lucky defending he could easily have added to his tally.

Graham Fagan starting in centre mid for the first time this season also made an excellent contribution to this half with his aggressive style of play, providing excellent protection to our back line forcing the home side to use the long ball more with the wind. Thankfully, the well drilled Belvo defence was up for this challenge.

The game turned at 1-0 and remained that way in the 2^nd half. To be fair though, Belvo did play much better in this half and at least tried to get some passing going. Only for some poor decision making in this half, the score would have been a lot more in our favour. Conor Saunders, Alan Gannon, David Kirwan and Sean Kavanagh all tested the keeper in this half, as Belvo dominated the game.

There were plenty of mis-hit corners and some wayward crossing also from Belvo as the game developed into a completely one-sided affair. The home side could only offer some free kicks which were dealt with by the aerial strength of Darragh Lenihan. Overall a poor display in this game from the premier side, but the aim was to be in the next round of the cup, and this was comfortably achieved.

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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The under 11’s recorded their first home win of the season with a convincing 3-1 win against Leicester Celtic on Saturday morning at Fairview. Having drawn their first 2 home matches, they put in an excellent performance to see off a physically much bigger side by playing pacy and aggressive football.

 It didn’t take long for the Blues to move ahead in the game. The outstanding Darragh Lenihan continued from where he left of last week and put Belvo ahead with an excellent finish from 12 yds inside the near post. This goal came after 5 minutes and followed a prolonged spell of pressure from the home side.

Sean Kavanagh pulling the strings in midfield was proving to be a real problem for the away team with his excellent range of passing setting our wide men free time and time again to attack the open spaces down the Leicester wings. Darragh’s goal came from one such move when he ran onto another excellent ball from Kavo, to cut inside and finish powerfully past the Leicester keeper.

Not long after, Ala Gannon put the Blues two ahead when he also broke free down our left hand side and somehow, despite being dominated by a much stronger centre half, managed to lob a superb goal in from 18 yds out. Another example of cool finishing from this clever front man.

Now 2-0 up after 10 minutes the home side continued to dominate the game as Leicester struggled to cop with the pace of the game. Paul Gannon went close from long range and his opposite full back, Sean Berrigan, continued to provide us with some excellent crosses from his right hand side. The visitors could only rely on catching us on the break, but Sean Corbally at centre half and debutante Adam Quinn were more than able for anything that came their way.

One such break however, gave Leicester hope, with 5 minutes remaining in the half, when a cross driven across our box was not dealt with by our back line. It fell to a Leicester player who calmly finished from 10 yards. And then right on the stroke at half time, captain Paul Gannon cleared a ball brilliantly from the line. No question that in the last 5 minutes of the half, Belvo had taken their foot of the gas and let the visitors back into the game.

 The 2^nd half was a far more one sided affair as Belvo put the pressure back on. It didn’t take long to restore the 2 goal cushion when Darragh Lenihan scored brilliantly from a corner kick. The same player also had a very strong penalty chance denied when he broke free in the Leicester box.

Substitute Conor Saunders was proving to be an excellent link man up front and he created chances for Sean Kavanagh, Ala Gannon and Daragh Lenihan who saw their strikes from distance go narrowly wide. The half itself was played mainly in the visitors' half of the pitch, as Belvo put together some excellent passing moves.

One goal in the second half was no reflection on how the half was actually played out. The game finished with Danny Rogers in the Belvo goal not having to make a save in this half. Overall a good display, but a valuable lesson learned on the dangers of an early 2 goal lead.

Team: Rogers, Berrigan, Quinn (Moynihan – 50), Corbally, Gannon, O’Brien (Kirwan – 45), Fagan (Saunders-30), Kavanagh, Hyland (Donnery – 50), Gannon, Lenihan.

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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A man of the match performance from attacking player, Darragh Lenihan, was too much for Home Farm to handle at Mobhi Road on Saturday morning. Only for some poor defending at times in the first half, this would have been an excellent performance from Belvedere Under 11’s.

The first half was frantic as the game developed a terrifically quick pace very early on, with Belvo creating the better chances. It didn’t take long for Darragh to give us the lead, following an almost identical run and miss in the first 5 minutes, he broke through again but this time finished brilliantly low and across the keeper.

His pace and power up front was proving a real handful for the home side to deal with. In the first half he broke through on a number of occasions as we worked ourselves into some excellent positions down the wings. To be fair, Home Farm themselves created a few chances, and following a couple of narrow misses they won a corner which got them back into the game.

The Belvo defence didn’t deal with the poor corner kick and instead of clearing their lines, the ball bounced of the chest of the unlucky Dane Moynihan and rolled past the stranded Danny Rogers in the Belvo goal. Captain Paul Gannon was unlucky not to clear it from the line though.

Hoping this was the error that woke up our back line, we pushed on again. Another run from Darragh won us a penalty mid way through the half and the excellent Sean Berrigan put it away brilliantly. A Robbie Keane like celebration didn’t look out of place from this classy player – definitely a name to keep an eye on over the coming years.

In the closing minutes of the half another mistake by the Belvo back line let Home Farm back into the game. Poor play under pressure gave possession back to the Home Farm side who finished brilliantly from the edge of our box. The half finished 2-2.

Improving our defensive play was the requirement in the 2^nd half. Darragh's tireless play up front continued to cause problems. Some excellent play from Sean "Kavo" Kavanagh in the middle of the park put Darragh in once again and this time he finished brilliantly with his left foot into the far corner, as the Home Farm keeper advanced to close him down.

Not long after he played a superb reverse ball over the top of the Home Farm defence for his striking partner Ala Gannon who finished very coolly, again an excellent strike low, hard and across the keeper. Pressure is not something that phases Ala and he scored this goal, despite the presence of 2 defenders around him. With our defending improved we were able to play out this half quite comfortably.

A few more half chances for both sides is all that came about as both teams used their substitutes for different reasons. Danny Rogers was asked to make an excellent save with 5 minutes to go, to keep the score at 4-2. He dived smartly to his right side to palm away a low drive from the edge of the box. The game finished soon after.

 Team: Danny Rogers, Sean Berrigan, Dane Moynihan, Sean Corbally, Paul Gannon, Sean Kavanagh (Conor Saunders, 40), David Kirwan (Graham Fagan, 30), Jake Hyland, Darragh Lenihan, Alan Gannon, Declan Donnery (Mason Teelin, 50). Subs not used: Adam Quinn, David O Brien

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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The Under 11’s conceded their first goal of the season on Saturday in a thrilling match against close rivals Home Farm. A superb fight back in the second half saw them earn a 1-1 draw in a match that had practically everything happen. 

In the first half Belvo’s strong defensive record looked secure with most of the play being in midfield and in our attacking third. Alan "Ala" Gannon did give us the lead after about ten minutes only to see his goal ruled out for offside. Conor Saunders, Sean Berrigan and Darragh Lenihan also went close as Belvo continued to apply the pressure to a well organised Home Farm back line.

The only attacking threat coming from Home Farm in this half was on the counter attack with their tricky left midfielder proving a real handful. The leading goal came from a mistake in the Belvo midfield resulting in a free kick to the opposition from 20 yards. The free itself was an excellent one and it's pace proved to much for Danny Rogers in the Belvo goal to handle.

The aim in the second half was to get back into the match as quickly as possible. We felt the goal was against the run of play and that an extra bit of pressure on the Home Farm back line should be enough. Conor Saunders went very close early on in the half as the Belvo attack gathered a lot of momentum. Darragh Lenihan, now rampant up front, hit the bar from 20 yards.

A number of off side decisions went against us, as we looked to get back into the match. The Home Farm attack was now centred around their left mid-fielder who continued to keep our backline on it's toes with some impressive runs down the wing. Thankfully the combination of Sean Berrigan and Dane Moynihan was enough to keep him from getting quality crosses into our box.

Halfway through the half though, Belvo conceded a penalty following another counter attack. Two nil would have been very harsh but thankfully the penalty was missed. Shortly after, following a superb piece of build up play on our right hand side, Declan "Deco" Donnery snook in at the back post and headed in the equaliser.

Darragh continued to cause the opposition major problems with his tireless running up front. The now inspired Deco continued to deliver cross after cross into the box as we pushed for the winner. It wasn’t to be though as the game finished following yet another Belvo corner being cleared by Home Farm.

Overall a spirited display from the lads who were disappointed not to have taken three points from the game following the penalty miss and also hitting the bar.

Team: Danny Rogers, Sean Berrigan, Paul Gannon (Capt), Dane Moynihan, Sean Corbally, Jake Hyland, Darragh Lenihan, Sean Kavanagh, David Kirwan (Mason Teelin 40), Alan Gannon, Conor Saunders (Declan Donnery 35)

 Subs not used: David O Brien, Adam Quinn, Graham Fagan (Injured)

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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Probably the first real test this season for the under 11’s on Saturday morning, saw a tight match finish in a deserved scoreless draw. Having dominated the early exchanges Belvo could possibly argue they deserved to come in at half time with a goal in their favour.

David O Brien, Sean Berrigan and Conor Saunders all had reasonable chances in the first half, but for some solid defending from Shels, the goal may have come from one of these chances. The game soon developed though into a battle of the back lines with neither side giving much away in the final third.

Both 'keepers were asked to make fine saves from distance and to deal with a number of corners, but neither side managed to create a good chance from open play.

 The second half continued in the same manner. Shels did come back into the game more and they had the better of the chances in this half. Belvo 'keeper, Danny Rogers pulled of a brilliant save to keep the scores level midway through the second period.

He also dealt well with a number of corners by coming out to either claim the ball or at the very least try to divert its direction, giving Belvo a chance to clear their lines.

Probably the best chance of the game fell to Conor Saunders when a brilliant last ditch tackle by the Shels' centre half prevented him slotting home from 4 yards. Dara Lenihan, busy as ever in mid-field, tried his luck with a few shots from distance and went very close on a couple of occasions.

Man of the match was Sean Corballly at centre half, and he deserves a mention for his superb reading of the game in this half. His pace prevented a couple of tricky situations becoming real problems for us.

Although disappointed not to win our first home match of the season, we were, none the less, happy with not losing ground on one of the stronger teams in the league and also to have not conceded a goal after 2 games into the season.

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager

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A fine hat trick from Alan Gannon and a terrific finish from Conor Saunders was enough to see off a tricky St Malachy's side on Monday evening at Springdale Road. The pick of the goals coming from No.10 Alan, with a control, turn and volley in one lightening quick move from 10 yards.

In the first half with the sun in their faces Belvo struggled to break down a physically strong Malachy's side, but Alan’s first goal midway through the 1^st half was well deserved.

Taking this lead into the 2^nd half, Belvo played the ball out wide a lot more to try and counter-act the host's off-side tactics, and thankfully the excellent supply from Sean Kavanagh, Graham Fagan and the excellent right full Sean Berrigan paid off with all 3 of our second half goals coming from crosses.

The introduction of our subs with 15 minutes to go ensured the high temp game we tried to play continued to the very end, with subs Jake Hyland and David Kirwan both going very close to opening their accounts for this season. Only a couple of excellent saves from the Malachy's keeper kept the score at 4-0.

Overall a positive start to the season, with the team under new management and also entering its first year in 11-a-side football.

Match report by Simon Kelly, Under 11 Premier Manager.

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